Is It Healthy To Eat High-Protein Ice Cream Every Day? Experts Weigh In

High-protein ice creams can be a lower-calorie option, but they may contain sweeteners that can affect digestion.
While fine in moderation, experts say they shouldn’t replace whole foods in your diet.
When buying high-protein ice cream, look for 10–20g protein per serving and minimal sugar alcohols or additives.

Protein is everywhere. Aside from natural sources of the nutrient like chicken breast and eggs, there’s an abundance of protein-packed products like protein mixes, bars, powders—and yes, even ice cream. These products are often deemed healthier alternatives to the “real” thing, but are they really?

Contents

Is High-Protein Ice Cream Healthier Than Regular Ice Cream?Is It Healthy To Eat High-Protein Ice Cream Every Day?The Bottom Line

We asked two registered dietitian nutritionists for their takes on high-protein ice cream. Kristen Lorenz, RDN, and Lauren Manaker, RDN, break down how it compares to regular ice cream, and whether it’s actually healthy to eat every day.

Is High-Protein Ice Cream Healthier Than Regular Ice Cream?

“High-protein ice creams can be a lower-calorie, lower-sugar alternative to traditional ice cream, especially for anyone watching their weight or trying to increase protein intake,” Lorenz says. But she cautions that the term “healthy” is relative. “While these products may be lower in fat and calories, they can contain sugar alcohols, artificial sweeteners, and thickeners that may not agree with everyone’s digestive system.”

Whether one is better than the other depends on your personal goals. Like Lorenz, Manaker emphasizes that “healthier” is a subjective term. “Sometimes, regular ice cream might be the more satisfying choice, and that’s okay too!” she adds.

Is It Healthy To Eat High-Protein Ice Cream Every Day?

If you enjoy a sweet treat at the end of the day and high-protein ice cream aligns with your health goals, you might wonder if it’s okay to eat it every day.

“High-protein ice cream can be a fun and convenient treat, but eating it every day might not be the best idea,” Manaker says. Despite the high protein and low sugar, she stresses the importance of variety. “It’s okay to enjoy it, but balance it with other whole, nutrient-rich foods in your diet.”

Lorenz echoes this, noting that even if high-protein ice creams “fit your macros,” they shouldn’t replace whole foods. “Daily consumption can be fine for some people, but it’s important to think of them as an occasional treat, not a health food.”

If you do choose to consume high-protein ice creams, Lorenz has some tips: aim for 10 to 20 grams of protein per serving, keep added sugar low, and look for recognizable ingredients. Those sensitive to sugar alcohols like erythritol or additives like carrageenan should take caution, as they can cause GI issues.

And if you’re curious about sugar-free sweeteners and which ones to limit (or avoid entirely), we’ve got you covered here.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, it comes down to moderation. “Use these high-protein ice creams as a tool, not a crutch,” Lorenz says, “and aim to meet most of your protein needs from whole foods like lean meats, eggs, dairy, and legumes.”

As for dessert, she suggests “[enjoying] high-protein ice cream a few times a week if it works for your body and lifestyle, but [to] prioritize variety and balance in your overall diet.”

Not fully sold on the pint to satisfy that sweet tooth? Manaker recommends alternatives like smoothies with nut butter and cocoa powder, Greek yogurt with honey and fruit, or dark chocolate and a handful of nuts.

You Might Also Like